How can you use laboratory tools to identify and quantify contaminants in food and water samples?

1 Sampling and preparation

Before you can use any laboratory tool, you need to collect and prepare your food and water samples properly. Sampling is the process of selecting a representative portion of the sample that reflects the whole population or batch. You need to follow standard protocols and guidelines for sampling, such as using sterile containers, avoiding cross-contamination, and preserving the sample quality. Preparation is the process of transforming the sample into a suitable form for analysis, such as filtering, homogenizing, diluting, or extracting. You need to use appropriate methods and equipment for preparation, such as centrifuges, mixers, pipettes, or solvents.

3 Chemical analysis

Chemical analysis is the process of identifying and quantifying contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, toxins, or additives, in food and water. To do this, you can use laboratory tools such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Spectroscopy measures the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the sample and can be used to identify and quantify chemicals based on their characteristic spectra. Chromatography separates components of a mixture based on their different affinities to a stationary and a mobile phase and can be used to separate and quantify chemicals based on their retention times or spots. Mass spectrometry ionizes and fragments the sample and measures the mass-to-charge ratio of the resulting ions. It can be used alone or coupled with chromatography to identify and quantify chemicals based on their mass spectra.

4 Quality control and validation

The final step of using laboratory tools is to ensure the quality and validity of your results. Quality control is the process of checking and monitoring the accuracy, precision, and reliability of your measurements and procedures. You need to use quality control tools, such as standards, blanks, duplicates, or spikes, to calibrate and verify your instruments and methods. Validation is the process of confirming and documenting that your results meet the specifications and criteria for your purpose and application. You need to use validation tools, such as statistical analysis, uncertainty estimation, or traceability, to evaluate and report your results.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?